Socrates

JUVENTUS - ATALANTA 2 - 0 Paulo Dybala (28') Mario Mandžukić (49') MATCHDAY 9 Sunday, October 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Marco Di Bello RATINGS: Dybala shines for Juventus http://www.goal.com/en/match/juventus-vs-atalanta/2120460/ratings Oct 25, 2015 Juventus 1 G. Buffon - The veteran goalkeeper had very little to do due to his side’s dominance and picked up a well-deserved clean sheet as a result. 20 S. Padoin - Put in a strong shift defensively, particularly in the second half, and looked a threat every time he pushed forward. 19 L. Bonucci - Didn’t put a foot wrong in the middle of a Juventus defence that continually impressed and looked great with the ball at his feet. 3 G. Chiellini - Was as solid as a rock when called upon to act against an Atalanta front line that struggled to find much joy. 33 P. Evra - Spent the vast majority of the game camped inside the Atalanta half of the pitch, where he was a constant attacking threat. 6 S. Khedira - Put in a decent performance in the heart of the Juventus midfield to keep things ticking over nicely. 8 C. Marchisio - Sat back and dictated the pace of the game with his well-placed passes and good vision. 10P. Pogba - Played an important role in both goals and was largely impressive but really should have tucked away his penalty. 37 R. Pereyra - Looked incredibly bright during his short time on the pitch but had to make way in the first half after picking up a nasty-looking injury. 17 M. Mandžukić - Struggled in the first half but got off to the best possible start in the second period when he finally scored his first Serie A goal. 21 P. Dybala - Another splendid performance from the in-form Argentine. Was involved in every Juventus attacking move and marked his great display with another goal. Substitutes 22 K. Asamoah - Replaced the injured Pereyra and continued the Argentine's good work for the remainder of the game. 9 Álvaro Morata - Looked bright after replacing Mandzukic but was unable to make it count. 27 S. Sturaro - Featured late on but failed to make an impact in his short time on the pitch. Atalanta 57 M. Sportiello - Easily Atalanta’s man of the match. If it wasn’t for several great saves from the goalkeeper, his side easily could have lost by three or four more goals. 6 G. Bellini - Really struggled in the first half before being substituted during the half-time break after receiving a nasty knock to the head. 3 Rafael Tolói - Continually struggled as he tried to deal with Dybala before being shown a red card for the second of two poorly-timed challenges. 29 G. Paletta - Had his back against the wall for the vast majority of the game and completed a bad day with a clumsy challenge on Dybala that resulted in a late penalty. 93 B. Dramé - One of Atalanta’s better defenders. Looked strong inside his own half of the pitch and was one of their best attacking threats at the other end. 88 A. Grassi - Enjoyed a few moments of brightness but on the whole it was a difficult and underwhelming afternoon for the Italian. 27 J. Kurtič - Arguably Atalanta’s best midfielder. Put in a determined defensive shift before looking bright going forward, particularly in the second half. 15 M. de Roon - Could find little joy at the base of the Atalanta midfield, where he constantly failed to deal with Dybala and Pogba. 11 M. Moralez - Looked bright down the left wing but was replaced by Gomez shortly into the second half. 51 M. Pinilla - It was a difficult afternoon for the striker, who was largely anonymous and barely managed a sniff on goal. 7 M. D'Alessandro - Enjoyed a few positive patches but on the whole found it difficult to find much joy against a strong Juventus defence. Substitutes 5 A. Masiello - Replaced the injured Bellini and put in a much better performance, helping to shore up an Atalanta defence that struggled during the first half. 10 A. Gómez - Initially looked bright after taking the place of Moralez but started to fade quickly after an impressive opening 10 minutes. 8 G. Migliaccio - Featured for the final quarter-of-an-hour but could find little joy as a result of Juventus' dominance of the ball. http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

JUVENTUS - ATALANTA 2 - 0 Paulo Dybala (28') Mario Mandžukić (49') MATCHDAY 9 Sunday, October 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Marco Di Bello Juventus ease past Atalanta http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/juventus/result/result-juventus-ease-past-atalanta-bc_254150.html Oct 25, 2015 Paulo Dybala produced a man-of-the-match performance for Juventus as the Italian champions eased to a 2-0 victory over Atalanta BC in their Serie A meeting this afternoon. The home side made a dominant start to the match and Leonardo Bonucci headed straight at Marco Sportiello, before the keeper denied Mario Mandzukic's close-range effort. Sportiello was soon called into action again minutes later to keep out Dybala's low strike. Juventus finally made their pressure count in the 28th minute as Dybala fired a swerving effort from outside the box into the roof of the net. The Argentine almost grabbed his second goal of the match on the stroke of half time, but his close-range attempt was stopped by the keeper. However, Juventus did manage to double their lead four minutes into the second half as Mandzukic arrived inside the six-yard box to guide home Dybala's low cross. Atalanta were providing little threat to Gianluigi Buffon's goal, but Mauricio Pinilla almost found the net with a fierce drive from range that sailed inches wide of the far post. Dybala soon came close to giving Juventus a three-goal lead when he curled a free kick inches wide, before the Argentine was denied by a one-handed save from Sportiello. Any hopes that the visitors had of producing an unlikely comeback were dealt a major blow in the 73rd minute as Rafael Toloi was dismissed for picking up his second yellow card of the match. Juventus were then given the chance to score a third goal after Dybala was brought down inside the box by Gabriel Paletta, but Paul Pogba saw the resulting penalty saved by Sportiello. However, the failed spot kick mattered little as the Old Lady comfortably held on to take the three points and continue their rise up the table following a shaky start to the season. http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

JUVENTUS - ATALANTA 2 - 0 Paulo Dybala (28') Mario Mandžukić (49') MATCHDAY 9 Sunday, October 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Marco Di Bello Paul Pogba Curiously Writes '+5' onto His Number 10 Shirt Before Atalanta Game http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2582507-paul-pogba-curiously-writes-5-onto-his-number-10-shirt-before-atalanta-game? Oct 25, 2015 Juventus are looking to record a Serie A win against Atalanta on Sunday, but there is something a little off about midfielder Paul Pogba. The Frenchman took to the field wearing his No. 10 jersey, but had strangely drawn "+5" in marker to the right of the number. L'Actu Foot @ActuFoot_ Paul Pogba avec un "+5" sur son maillot, comme pour conjurer le mauvais sort ? (1+0+5 = 6) Pogba has yet to explain exactly why he had done this, (because, well, he is playing) but one working theory put forward on Twitter is that together the three numbers (1, 0 and 5) add up to six—his previous squad number. KICKTV ✔ @KICKTV When the kit man won't let you be number 15. (via @TheCalcioGuy ) Iansen @Iansenlol @KICKTV @TheCalcioGuy 1+0+5 = 6. His old jersey number. We're open to new theories though, so fire them at us. Paper shortage for a quiet math genius? Falling out with Juventus' kit man? http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

JUVENTUS - ATALANTA 2 - 0 Paulo Dybala (28') Mario Mandžukić (49') MATCHDAY 9 Sunday, October 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Marco Di Bello Juventus 2-0 Atalanta: Dybala Guides Bianconeri Past 10-Man Orobici http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/10/juventus-2-0-atalanta-dybala-guides-bianconeri-past-10-man-orobici/? Oct 25, 2015 Juventus defeated Atalanta 2-0 at the Juventus Stadium on Sunday afternoon, claiming just their third Serie A win so far this season. Paulo Dybala put the Old Lady ahead before Mario Mandzukic swiftly got their second in the second half. The game was made worse for the visitors when Rafael Toloi was sent off, although Paul Pogba failed to convert a penalty soon afterwards. Juventus dominated possession in the early moments of the match and it was inevitable that they would grab a goal, with Paulo Dybala doing just that before the half-hour mark with a fantastic strike from outside the box curving at the right time to make for a near impossible task for Marco Sportiello to clear it in the away goal. Their lead was almost doubled on the stroke of half-time when some excellent teamwork ended with Dybala drilling an effort towards goal but Sportiello was in the right place at the right time to deny what would have been a brilliant strike. The second half began in much the same way as the first with the only difference being, with less than five minutes gone, Mario Mandzukic grabbing the Bianconeri’s second when he tapped in a Dybala cross. La Dea’s afternoon only got worse with Brazilian international Rafael Toloi being shown a second yellow card for an unnecessary foul with 15 minutes to go to make the final stages of the match even more difficult for 10-men Atalanta. It looked to be all but won for Juventus when Gabriel Paletta tripped up Dybala in the box but Sportiello’s afternoon took a turn for the better as he saved Paul Pogba’s effort. The victory for Massimiliano Allegri’s men takes them up to 12th in the league table, while Atalanta are in ninth. http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

JUVENTUS - ATALANTA 2 - 0 Paulo Dybala (28') Mario Mandžukić (49') MATCHDAY 9 Sunday, October 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Marco Di Bello Juventus 2-0 Atalanta Paulo Dybala and Mario Mandzukic got Juventus back on track against Atalanta, but Paul Pogba’s penalty was saved. http://www.football-italia.net/SerieA/match/69904 Oct 25, 2015 Paulo Dybala and Mario Mandzukic got Juventus back on track against Atalanta, but Paul Pogba’s penalty was saved. The pressure was growing on the Bianconeri after disappointing stalemates with Inter and Borussia Monchengladbach. They made changes, resting Juan Cuadrado and Andrea Barzagli, to welcome an Atalanta side that was surprisingly five points clear of the reigning champions. The Orobici had lost nine of their previous 10 visits to Turin since a 1-0 result in October 1989. In the opening minutes Marco Sportiello blocked a glancing Giorgio Chiellini header, then Mario Mandzukic only scuffed a corner at the back post. The Croatian’s first touch also let him down on a Paul Pogba through ball and Paulo Dybala blasted straight at the goalkeeper. After this early pressure, Atalanta emerged and Chiellini’s sliding tackle was decisive to stop Boukary Drame’s low cross getting tapped in. Dybala broke the deadlock with a left-foot scorcher from distance that flew under the bar. Sportiello was wrong-footed, either by a deflection off Gabriel Paletta or the defender blocking his view. Just as Juve’s injury crisis was abating, Roberto Pereyra pulled up clutching his hamstring and had to be replaced, Pogba moving into the trequartista role. Dybala came close to a second on the stroke of half-time, but sliding in at the back post couldn’t keep a Pogba cross on target. With the last kick of the first half, Dybala’s first-time shot was somehow denied by Sportiello instinctively sticking out a foot. Gianpaolo Bellini had to come off after an accidental Kwadwo Asamoah knee to the head. Juve doubled their advantage as Dybala ran on to a Pogba back-heel flick down the left and rolled across for Mandzukic to prod in from six yards, sneaking between centre-backs. It was his first Serie A goal, the third of the campaign. Mandzukic had timid penalty appeals for a Drame’ shirt tug and Pinilla’s sudden snapshot flashed across the face of goal. Pogba’s inspired pass sent Dybala clear, but Sportiello performed a one-handed save one-on-one with the Argentine. Rafael Toloi received his second yellow card and reduced Atalanta to 10 men in Turin. Gabriel Paletta’s sliding tackle on Dybala was an inevitable penalty, but Pogba saw his spot-kick saved by specialist Sportiello. It was the fourth time this goalkeeper had parried a top flight penalty. Juventus: Buffon; Padoin, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Khedira (Sturaro 89), Marchisio, Pogba; Pereyra (Asamoah 37); Mandzukic (Morata 77), Dybala Atalanta: Sportiello; Bellini (Masiello 46), Toloi, Paletta, Dramé; Grassi, Kurtic, De Roon (Migliaccio 73); Maxi Moralez (Gomez 52), Pinilla, D'Alessandro Ref: Di Bello Sent off: Toloi 74 (A) Saved penalty: Pogba 79 (J) http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

JUVENTUS - ATALANTA 2 - 0 Paulo Dybala (28') Mario Mandžukić (49') MATCHDAY 9 Sunday, October 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Marco Di Bello Juventus 2-0 Atalanta: Dybala shines in routine win The striker scored his fourth goal, and assisted another, in five league starts as the champions made easy work of Edy Reja's side, though Paul Pogba missed a late penalty. http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/juventus-vs-atalanta/2120460/report Oct 25, 2015 Paulo Dybala helped Juventus rediscover their goalscoring form with a goal and an assist in Sunday's 2-0 win over Atalanta as Paul Pogba saw a late penalty saved. Following consecutive goalless draws with Inter and Borussia Monchengladbach, the Serie A champions were back on target at the Juventus Stadium with Dybala making a strong case to retain his starting spot up front in an impressive display. Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri has received criticism for failing to use the 21-year-old enough this season but was rewarded for giving him a start 28 minutes in when Dybala produced a delightful strike from the edge of the area. Atalanta had lost just once in seven league matches prior to their trip to Turin but the result was all-but sealed when Mario Mandzukic registered his first Serie A goal courtesy of clever build-up play from Pogba and Dybala. The champions' task was made easier by the dismissal of Rafael Toloi late on, before Dybala earned a penalty subsequently spurned by Pogba 11 minutes from time. Dybala had further chances in the final stages as Juve marked defensive stalwart Giorgio Chiellini's 300th league outing with a routine win. Allegri brought in Roberto Pereyra and Dybala alongside Mandzukic and saw Juve start brightly. Leonardo Bonucci glanced Dybala's free-kick at goal - Marco Sportiello equal to it - before the Atalanta goalkeeper kept Mandzukic's close-range effort out following a deep corner. The visitors were without Marcelo Estigarribia and Emanuele Suagher due to injury but grew back into the game prior to the half-hour mark with Chiellini's intervention cutting out Boukary Drame's cross. However, Dybala's stunning strike gave Juve a deserved lead 17 minutes before the break as the Argentine registered his fourth league goal of the season. The former Palermo man sustained a knock soon after and was briefly forced off for treatment, and Pereyra was withdrawn with an injury shortly before half-time. Sportiello's fine save from a Dybala shot was the last action of the first period but the Atalanta stopper was picking the ball out of his net early in the second when Dybala turned provider for Mandzukic. A delightful backheel from Pogba saw Dybala square for Mandzukic to finish from close range, opening his league account in the process, having moved from Bayern Munich in the close-season. While Edoardo Reja's Atalanta remained comfortable in possession they struggled to threaten as Juve grew in confidence, Dybala flashing a free-kick wide before being denied a second soon after by a smart Sportiello save. Having been booked for a foul, Toloi was dismissed for a similar offence 17 minutes from time as Pogba's frustrating campaign continued when his penalty was saved by Sportiello after a foul on Dybala. http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

JUVENTUS - ATALANTA - MATCHDAY 9 Sunday, October 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Marco Di Bello Half-Time 1-0: Paulo Dybala fires Juventus ahead against Atalanta http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/juventus/half-time-report/half-time-report-paulo-dybala-fires-juventus-ahead_254131.html? Oct 25, 2015 Juventus are on course to win their second home match of the Serie A season after taking a 1-0 half-time lead over Atalanta this afternoon. The Bianconeri made a dominant start to the match and Leonardo Bonucci headed straight at Marco Sportiello, before the keeper denied Mario Mandzukic's close-range effort. Sportiello was called into action again minutes later to keep out Paulo Dybala's low strike. Juventus finally made their pressure count in the 28th minute as Dybala fired a swerving effort from outside the box into the roof of the net. Dybala almost grabbed his second goal of the match on the stroke of half time, but his close-range attempt was stopped by the keeper, as Juventus took their lead into the break. http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

JUVENTUS - ATALANTA - MATCHDAY 9 Sunday, October 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Marco Di Bello Marotta: '14th doesn't suit Juve' http://www.football-italia.net/74798/marotta-14th-doesnt-suit-juve? Oct 25, 2015 Juventus director Beppe Marotta said 14th place “does not reflect our value” and backed Max Allegri. Today they host Atalanta: “This position in the table does not reflect our value. This is an important game for the three points, but I can say it’s still a long campaign and there’s time to recover,” Marotta told Mediaset Premium. “As Allegri said, it’s right to wait until the end of December. The squad is very competitive, but we are also forced to deal with some injuries. Fortunately we’ve got everyone back except Stephan Lichtsteiner and Martin Caceres now.” Marotta was asked about Allegri’s decision to drop Paulo Dybala in recent outings, though he starts today. “Until now the strike force was never completely available, so Allegri’s choices were often dictated by their fitness levels. “There are many games to be played this season, so it’s down to our Coach to evaluate how best to use our strikers.” http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

JUVENTUS - ATALANTA - MATCHDAY 9 Sunday, October 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Marco Di Bello Line-ups: Juventus-Atalanta http://www.football-italia.net/74795/line-ups-juventus-atalanta? Oct 25, 2015 Juventus make changes as they host high-flying Atalanta and look for only their second Serie A home win of the season. It kicks off at 15.00 CET - 14.00 GMT. The pressure is still on Max Allegri after disappointing stalemates with Inter and Borussia Monchengladbach. He was criticised for not starting Paulo Dybala, but the Argentine leads the attack today with Mario Mandzukic and Roberto Pereyra. Juan Cuadrado and Andrea Barzagli are among those rested, while Stephan Lichtsteiner and Martin Caceres are the only injury absentees. Simone Padoin is given the nod as a makeshift right-back. Atalanta are doing remarkably well this season in eighth place and are fresh from a 3-0 demolition job on Carpi. Marcelo Estigarribia misses out, but Mauricio Pinilla completes the trident attack with Maxi Moralez and D’Alessandro. The Orobici haven’t won in Turin since a 1-0 result sealed by Claudio Caniggia back in October 1989, losing nine of their last 10 visits. Home and away, Juventus have won all their last 10 meetings with the Bergamo club. Surprisingly, whatever happens this afternoon, Atalanta will still be at least two points clear of Juve in the table. Juventus: Buffon; Padoin, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Khedira, Marchisio, Pogba; Pereyra; Mandzukic, Dybala Atalanta: Sportiello; Bellini, Toloi, Paletta, Dramé; Grassi, Kurtic, De Roon; Maxi Moralez, Pinilla, D'Alessandro http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

JUVENTUS - ATALANTA - MATCHDAY 9 Sunday, October 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Marco Di Bello Juventus vs. Atalanta Preview: Round 9 — Welcome to Atalanta where the playas play http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2015/10/24/9566359/juventus-atalanta-2015-serie-a-round-9-preview-team-news-schedule Oct 24, 2015 The million-dollar question: Will Juventus ever score a goal again this season? Okay, so maybe it's not as bleak as that, but after two consecutive scoreless and vastly frustrating draws, it's not exactly like Juventus' offensive output of late is inspiring as much confidence as Simone Padoin starting regularly in the center of the midfield would (and did). Or maybe how The latest stop on the Magic Mystery Tour sees Atalanta — another one of those "There's no way in hell they should be ahead of Juventus in the league standings but they are" teams — roll into Juventus Stadium for what wasn't supposed to be a mid-table clash when we saw the Serie A schedule released a few months ago. But, you know what? It is. This is another chance for Juventus to not be in 14th place come the start of next weekend. Instead, The unfortunate thing in this season is that logic can't be applied. Which brings us back to this whole "unable to score goals on a consistent basis" thing. In their 12 games in all competitions this season, Juventus have scored more than one goal all of six times. You might think that it's not a big deal, but when you only have nine goals total in eight Serie A games, it's pretty noticeable. Juventus averaging one goal per league isn't something we've seen lately. (And maybe that's because we're all spoiled jerks who just want everything handed to us because we're cool.) We've been so used to this team not just creating scoring chances but putting away a solid percentage of them that when they don't do such things, it's rather noticeable. In regard to the scoring woes as of late, this is what midfielder Claudio Marchisio had to say after Juventus' scoreless draw with Borussia Monchengladbach on Wednesday: "We've been creating plenty since the start of the season and now have gained greater consistency at the back. All we're missing is that clarity of mind when picking out the final pass. All of us, not just the strikers, are misfiring in the final third. That's what we need to work on. "Starting the season on a losing note didn't help the group. It hasn't been easy for the new arrivals, knowing they've joined a team that always wins. We need to try and overcome this moment, because there's a lot of quality in this squad." (Source: juventus.com) In those six sentences above, there is nothing but the truth coming from one of Juventus' trustworthy players. Marchisio speaks the truth, and he also is extremely reasonable. This team has talent — plenty of it, actually. All there is to do now is actually use it to their benefit, not frustrate the living hell out of us all. They get a couple goals, I think it will be more of the latter than the former. But that's just me being the eternal optimist. Stupid optimism always messing with my mind. JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen .@OfficialAllegri: "What the president said was right. Juventus can't allow themselves to be in 14th position, regardless of the changes." GOOD NEWS I dunno. BAD NEWS Check the Serie A standings, then get back to me. You'll understand if you don't already. WHAT TO WATCH FOR 1. Will Mister Allegri do some squad rotation? The short answer: Yeah, he will. Throw out Juventus' current league standing out the window for a second here. This is the game after a Champions League game and the third game in the matter of eight days. If that doesn't scream some sort of squad rotation, I don't really know what does. But the catch is that Juventus are struggling right now, and the crowd calling for Allegri to stop tinkering with things will undoubtedly grow as the disappointing results continue to pile up. But Allegri made it known at his pre-match press conference on Saturday afternoon that there will be some squad rotation. And, to be perfectly honest, that's the right move. Some players clearly need a game off — be it because of physical tiredness or mental fatigue. And some reserves who haven't played much the last month or so need so game time. Sounds like a pretty good situation to do some squad rotating to me... JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen .@OfficialAllegri: "I have 22 high quality players and 50 games ahead of us. It's perfectly understandable for me to vary my selection." 2. Does Daniele Rugani get his first Juventus start? Again, one of the beneficiaries of Allegri's anticipated could be Juventus' young defensive starlet. We haven't seen much of Mr. Rugani this season, with his only appearance in a Juventus jersey being a late-game cameo against Sevilla last month. That's it. Through eight Serie A games this season, Rugani has yet to log one minute of game time. Now, regardless of how highly we and Allegri rate Rugani, we knew it would be pretty tough to get consistent game time with the likes of Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini playing in front of him. But in a game that screams out for some kind of squad rotation, it's an opportunity for Allegri to get Rugani on the field for the first time in a league match this season. The kid's gotta play at some point, right? (And I'm not talking about two or three minutes here and there, either.) JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen .@OfficialAllegri: "@DanieleRugani? I'll need to consider that. He'll definitely put in a good display when his time comes." 3. Who starts up front? Squad rotation, schmod schrotation. Juventus need to score goals, and they need to find a strike partnership the will consistently do exactly that. The cries out for Paulo Dybala won't end until he starts 15 games in a row (and probably do well in most of them based on how he's played this season). Álvaro Morata could be the one who rests knowing that Allegri will rotate the squad a bit. Some in Italy are thinking it will be Mario Mandzukic, others are thinking it will be Simone Zaza who steps into the starting lineup for Juve's No. 9. The odd thing in that is Morata has been the only striker we could pretty much pencil into our predicted XI because he's so important to the Juventus lineup. Other than that, it's just a guessing game at this point. So whether it's actually going to be Dybala-Mandzukic, Dybala-Zaza or something completely different, we're basically waiting to find out what will actually happen. 4. Can Juventus actually win back-to-back games in Serie A? Ha! This season continues to be an absolute impossible one to figure out. And until Juventus finds some kind of consistency, it will only remain that way. We know this much, though: Juventus need consistent victories if they want to have any chance of quickly moving up the table before the winter months in Italy arrive. Can it happen? Sure, but not many things about this team have screamed out that they can be consistent right now. This team can create all the chances or record all the shots it wants to, but until they actually do score goals on a consistent basis, those figures don't really matter at all. Coaches always say that they want to test the goalkeeper. Well, if Juve do anything like what they did against Gladbach midweek, testing the keeper is the last thing they will be doing even though their shot count is in the 20s. And that, on top of just about everything else, is going to need to change — fast. My starting XI (4-3-1-2): Gianluigi Buffon; Simone Padoin, Daniele Rugani, Leonardo Bonucci, Alex Sandro; Roberto Pereyra, Claudio Marchisio, Mario Lemina; Hernanes; Álvaro Morata, Paulo Dybala http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

Allegri: Juventus must be challenging for title by March The trainer insists his side will still finish amongst the top candidates for the Scudetto, and backs Paulo Dybala to fire them back into contention. http://www.goal.com/en/news/723/serie-a/2015/10/24/16644142/-? Oct 24, 2015 Massimiliano Allegri is confident that Juventus will be challenging for the Serie A title this season, although he conceded it would take them till March to be around the top places. The Turin side have endured a tough start to the 2015-16 season, despite winning the domestic double and reaching the Champions League final in Allegri's first campaign at the helm. Juve president Andrea Agnelli has insisted that the losses of Arturo Vidal, Carlos Tevez and Andrea Pirlo are not an acceptable excuse for the club's current Serie A position of 15th. The coach agreed with the comments, but cautioned that the turnaround would be gradual and that his troops would be taking it one game at a time. "As I've already said, we ought to have more points right now, regardless of the changes to the squad," Allegri told reporters on Saturday. "I agree with the president. Juventus should not be in this position. "At Christmas we need to be better placed in the league, we cannot think of fighting back that quickly. "Then, around March, we must be in and around the front-runners. "We need to secure a second consecutive home win in Serie A to follow up our last result [a 3-1 victory over Bologna]. "We have already found good defensive solidity in the latest matches, now we have to improve in attack." Allegri also defended strikers Paulo Dybala and Mario Mandzukic from criticism, insisting the former would develop into a fine player despite constantly being dropped to the bench, and defending the latter's impact. "Dybala is a player with excellent qualities, and will have a great future," the trainer concluded. "He will be the future, and also the present, of Juventus. "So far, Mandzukic has not played much in the league, but he has had a good scoring record in important games against Manchester City and Lazio in the Supercoppa," Allegri added. "He has been injured but has done work with the team."

JUVENTUS - ATALANTA - MATCHDAY 9 Sunday, October 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Marco Di Bello Reja: 'Atalanta ready for Juve' http://www.football-italia.net/74760/reja-atalanta-ready-juve? Oct 24, 2015 Edy Reja assured Atalanta “are ready and have what it takes to trouble even a side like Juventus.” “We know that the Bianconeri’s position in the table does not reflect reality,” said the Coach in his Press conference. “They have the players to get back into the race for the Scudetto. Naturally, we hope they won’t start that comeback until after our game. “We are in good form and go to Turin intending to continue that trend. We’ll need to keep our guard up at all times and play with great intensity for the full 90 minutes. “We won’t change our attacking mentality, which has given us such great results so far this season. I could change a few individuals, seeing as there’s a midweek round and three matches in seven days. “Atalanta are ready and we have what it takes to trouble even a side like Juventus.” http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

JUVENTUS - ATALANTA - MATCHDAY 9 Sunday, October 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Marco Di Bello Allegri blasts Dybala critics http://www.football-italia.net/74754/allegri-blasts-dybala-critics? Oct 24, 2015 Max Allegri prepares Juventus for Atalanta and hits back at a “trial by media” over Paulo Dybala. It kicks off on Sunday at 15.00 CET - 14.00 GMT. “Before saying anything else, I want to speak,” he started his Press conference. “Seeing as there has been a trial by media for me and Dybala, he is the striker who has played the most so far this season. “He is a lad with excellent qualities and will have a great future. Last season he was a leader at Palermo, but cannot have that same role at Juve yet. “Anyone who is saying that is wrong. We cannot put this amount of responsibility on Dybala’s shoulders. I think that from my time at Milan I’ve done well getting the best out of young players. “By behaving this way, you’re making it difficult for the player too. He will be the future and is the present of Juventus. If for one or two games the Coach decides to bench him, there’s a reason. I accept criticism, but only if I am attacked for something true. I must be respected, whether you like it or not. “He was too expensive to not play? That’s your problem. In that case look at Kevin de Bruyne, who cost €80m and doesn’t play at Manchester City.” Yesterday President Andrea Agnelli declared “everyone must realise 14th place is unacceptable.” Does Allegri feel the same way? “As I’ve already said, we ought to have more points right now, regardless of the changes to the squad. Juventus should not be in this position. I didn’t think he was criticising me. “Fortunately for the first time we all trained together this week. There are players who need a rest, like Juan Cuadrado, while Gigi Buffon will be available. “We are only missing Stephan Lichtsteiner and Martin Caceres. There are difficult games to face, we’ve found our defensive solidity of late and now have to improve in attack. “The first real step forward will be visible by Christmas, as we cannot think of fighting back that quickly in just a few games. The next step will be in March.” Allegri confirmed either Stefano Sturaro or Simone Padoin will play at right-back against Atalanta, while Roberto Pereyra could step in for Cuadrado. The Coach was also asked about comments made by director general Beppe Marotta, who admitted transfer deadline day signing Hernanes was not their first choice. “The transfer market is closed, the players who are part of the squad were considered valid to play in this important side. “I think Mario Mandzukic has had a good scoring record in important games against Manchester City and Lazio in the Super Cup. “The midfield has only been playing together for two matches, so we need more time to gel.” Juventus squad for Atalanta: Buffon, Neto, Audero; Chiellini, Alex Sandro, Barzagli, Bonucci, Rugani, Evra; Khedira, Marchisio, Pogba, Hernanes, Cuadrado, Lemina, Padoin, Asamoah, Sturaro, Pereyra; Zaza, Morata, Mandzukic, Dybala http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

Pogba 'chose Juve with his heart' http://www.football-italia.net/74752/pogba-chose-juve-his-heart? Oct 24, 2015 Paul Pogba “chose to stay at Juventus and is still convinced of that choice. There’s no Barcelona deal,” said his agent. The midfielder has been heavily linked with the likes of Barcelona, Chelsea, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain. “Is there a deal for his future sale to Barcelona? Absolutely not,” Mino Raiola told Radio Deejay. “Anyone who wants him has to sit down with Juve and then we’ll see. Over the summer there were three or four teams interested, but he chose to stay at Juventus and is still convinced of that choice.” Pogba has stuttered along with the rest of Juve so far this season and it’s been said the Number 10 jersey weighs on him. “It’s the Italian sick way of seeing things. Last year he was applauded for anything, now he’s jeered when playing the same way. “Pogba remained at Juve because he made the choice with his heart when he had big important offers and now fans forget that. “I think he had a difficult start to the season for many reasons, but as Pavel Nedved said, he needs to be left in peace. He’s a great champion who is going through the same period of form as the rest of his teammates. “In the last game, I saw the old Pogba.”

Juventus 'very likely' to sign Cuadrado permanently The Serie A champions are expecting to be able to seal the full signing of the on-loan Colombian from Premier League side Chelsea. http://www.goal.com/en/news/723/serie-a/2015/10/24/16632732/-? Oct 24, 2015 Juventus director general Giuseppe Marotta has revealed the Serie A champions are confident of sealing a deal to sign Chelsea winger Juan Cuadrado on a permanent basis. The Colombia international only spent six months at Stamford Bridge after signing from Fiorentina in January and joined Juve on loan for the 2015-16 campaign in August. Cuadrado has made 10 appearances for Massimiliano Allegri's side since returning to Italy and Marotta has spoken of his confidence that a deal will be done to sign the 27-year-old, even though they do not have an automatic right to buy. "We have no right of redemption, at Chelsea's request," he said at the club's shareholders meeting. "Cuadrado has expressed his happiness at being here with us, as well as [his desire] to continue here in future. "We will look at things with Chelsea at the appropriate time, but it is very likely that there will be a good conclusion." Marotta also suggested that Domenico Berardi of Sassuolo could be a player who signs for Juventus in the future, despite the club selling their share of the 21-year-old forward's rights in the close-season. "At the moment he is totally owned by Sassuolo," added the executive. "We are monitoring him and we will have a consultation at the end of the season. We have an excellent relationship with Sassuolo."

JUVENTUS - ATALANTA - MATCHDAY 9 Sunday, October 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Marco Di Bello JUVENTUS V ATALANTA SERIE A MATCH PREVIEW http://www.juvefc.com/juventus-v-atalanta-serie-a-match-preview-and-scouting/? Oct 24, 2015 Juventus With this game, Juventus enter a stretch of the schedule that will be crucial for their Scudetto hopes. In the next few weeks, the Old Lady will face Atalanta, Sassuolo, Torino, Empoli, Milan and Palermo, before Lazio and Fiorentina. None of these are gimmies, bu the squad needs to sweep the next six matches to mount a believable comeback. Juventus come off two goalless games and this is certainly disappointing considering the firepower at disposal. Massimiliano Allegri is facing intense backlash for the lack of minutes for last summer’s reinforcement campaign poster boy Paulo Dybala. While I would agree that playing him ten of fifteen minutes does not do him any favour and there is a definitely a certain reluctance to start him, the Argentian starlet is the striker who has played the most minute so far, but he is also the only one who has not been hurt or in the doghouse for a while. We have seen the same thing happen with Stephan El Shaarawy at Milan, when it took Allegri months before starting him regularly and accommodating the tactic to make him perform at his best. Dybala himself has been mostly good, but he has not exactly shined when he has featured, so he need to step up too. But I think that this is not the main problem of Juve’s attack. The principal issue is that none of the forwards’ duo has developed any chemistry. More than ten games into the season, we do not know yet what is the best couple upfront, the go-to one in big matches. While they have all scored, no striker has gained steam and started taking over games. We have seen very few hook-ups in the final third, I can not recall any circumstance where a striker assisted the other. I think this is a big part of the reason why Juventus can not create clear-cut chances in bunches. This game is sandwiched between two midweek matches so we will probably see some heavy rotation. On Wednesday, many players seemed to have heavy legs. Stefano Sturaro has been used as right-back in practice in the last two weeks and he could relieve Andrea Barzagli on that delicate role, where both Stephen Lichtsteiner and Martin Caceres remains out. I am not holding my breath, but it looks like Daniele Rugani will have the chance to make his Serie A day view with a black and white kit, replacing Giorgio Chiellini. The battle between Patrice Evra and Alex Sandro to start at left-back is wide open. As for the midfield and the attack, it is just a matter of who is the most fatigued and the substitutions, which will of course influence the tactic, will be made accordingly. The latest reports indicate that Juan Cuadrado may sit this one, with Allegri opting for the diamond formation. In that case, Hernanes or Roberto Pereyra would start in the hole. I think either Claudio Marchisio or Sami Khedira could use a day off, with Mario Lemina ready to replace one of them. I think that the coach will please the crowd and start Dybala. Returning players have often be fielded in a couple of games in a row to help them regain the right condition, so Mario Mandzukic is the frontrunner to start, but Alvaro Morata has a solid shot too. Obviously, if Cuadrado is not rested, we will see the 3-5-2 used in the last few matches. UPDATE: Allegri has said that Cuadrado will be available but will not start. However, he could maintain the same tactic with Pereyra replacing the Colombian. Padoin or Sturaro will play at RB, but Barzagli has not been ruled out. Probable lineup 4-3-1-2: Buffon; Sturaro, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Khedira, Marchisio, Pogba; Pereyra, Dybala, Mandzukic. Injuries: Lichtsteiner (heart condition), Caceres (ankle). Suspended: None Atalanta Atalanta are doing pretty well this season and they look completely different from last year, where they have been putrid. They have always had more quality than the average low-table team, but they have not always been able to express it. This season, they seem to have made “not dropping points at home” their mission and they have pretty much succeeded so far as they have drawn only once because of a very late goal by Hellas Verona. They have beaten Frosinone, Sampdoria and Carpi at Atleti Azzurri d’Italia. They are not as good on the road, but they are still frisky. They have lost against Inter in the stoppage time, they have defeated Empoli, drawn with Sassuolo and lost badly to Fiorentina, in game that was influenced by an early penalty with red card. The usually defensive-minded Edy Reja is using 4-3-3, which is hands down the most suitable for the roster. After struggling defensively in the past season, they have made big investments and acquired Gabriel Paletta and Rafael Toloi, so now they have a very reliable duo of center-backs. They have been able to find a hidden gem in Marten de Roon, who has replaced brilliantly Luca Cigarini as deep-lying playmaker while the veteran was hurt and now he is holding on to his much deserved starting job. They are also grooming Alberto Grassi, a youngster who has a chance to become a complete midfielder in a couple of years. Alejandro Gomez and Maxi Moralez are both playing as wingers and they are really their whole offense. Now that El Fraschito has become more comfortable in a wide position, there is much more spacing and room for the cuts by other players. The dualism between German Denis and Mauricio Pinilla has been drama-less and they have both performed pretty well and scored. The only doubts about the lineup lie in the midfield. At this stage, Grassi and Kurtic are favourite to start over Cigarini and Carmona. Like in the previous years, we can expect a very physical team moving at a slow rhythm and try to make the opponent play ugly: Reja is all in all still an old-school coach. However, Gomez and Moralez are the jollys that add that little zing that spice things up and make them pretty dangerous both in the counters and attacking a set defense: they kind of act like playmakers on the flanks and they are both lightning quick. Pinilla and Denis are good complements as they are very capable of doing the dirty work, wrestling the defenders and finding the right position in the box. Probable lineup 4-3-3: Sportiello; Masiello, Toloi, Paletta, Drame; Grassi, De Roon, Kurtic; Moralez, Pinilla, Gomez. Injuries: Estigarribia (knee), Suagher. Suspended: None Formation http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

Agnelli: 'Let's have a second Juve' http://www.football-italia.net/74726/agnelli-lets-have-second-juve? Oct 23, 2015 President Andrea Agnelli encourages Serie A reform, including the idea of having a 'second team' for Juventus and the other clubs. Today's shareholders' meeting was the opportunity for Agnelli to praise Pavel Nedved, who was recently appointed Vice President, but also to discuss some of the recurring problems within Serie A. “The League [Lega Federcalcio] set up a commission to draw out the reforms, and [director general Beppe] Marotta will take part representing our side,” he said. “There's still a year to work with and many of the things I suggested can already be done. “Stadiums are obsolete and financial resources must be invested on them. “In one year we can conclude the reform of the championships. There's space for the 'second teams' of the clubs, but it requires political will. “If somebody wants to have a second team, it's right that there should be another instrument for that, such as the 'B-team'. “If we could loan out our players to the second team we'd have better chances. “I hope that the current directors can carry out the reforms, not in the interest of Juventus but of all Italian football. “A political career for me? No, I'm not interested. I'm happy where I am. “We've been denouncing the problems of football for four years, but having seen FIGC President Carlo Tavecchio, I see there's a will behind it. “Now we must understand if all parts agree on the reforms.” Finally, Agnelli discussed UEFA President Michel Platini, who was under investigation by FIFA for an alleged involvement in the recent corruption scandal. “I hope there's a quick judgment, one that looks into the real merit of the matters for which Michel was pre-emptively suspended from the ethical commission. “From this point of view I can't help but agree with President Abete. “It's hard to imagine that someone might accept money as an 'irregular' payment, and then declare it in his tax return.”

'Leave Paul Pogba alone,' urges Nedved Juventus' newly-appointed vice-president insists the prodigal France international is still young and said he isn't worried about the youngster's future. http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/3265/italian-football/2015/10/23/16614472/-? Oct 23, 2015 Juventus's new vice-president Pavel Nedved says Paul Pogba needs to be "left alone", and has urged supporters not to ask too much of the midfielder. Pogba, 22, has been the subject of intense transfer specualtion since joining Juventus on a free transfer from Manchester United, with Real Madrid, Chelsea, PSG and United all thought to be tracking the midfield maestro. The France international has been a revelation over the past two seasons but there is added pressure on him this term following the summer departures of Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal, and with Euro 2016 looming on home soil. With Juventus floundering domestically, Pogba has struggled to replicate his form so far this season and his public criticism of team-mate Alvaro Morata this week suggests the pressure is getting to him. Nedved, who was voted the Old Lady's new vice-president on Wednesday after a board vote, insists Pogba needs to be left to get on with his football. "Paul Pogba is our player and he is extremely talented," he said. "For one born in 1993, he showed some exceptional things. "I am in touch with him daily, and he doesn't need advice. Perhaps we should ask ourselves if we're the ones who are asking too much from a player of that age. We must leave him alone. I have no worries, his future is extremely bright." Before Friday's promotion, Nedved, 43, had been on the Turin club's board of directors since retiring in 2009. He spent eight years at Juventus as a player, winning four Scudetti and claiming the Ballon d'Or in 2003. Following the Calciopoli match-fixing scandal and Juve's subsequent relegation to Serie B, he remained at the club as several high-profile players left permanently or on loan. He scored 11 goals in Serie B, helping the club to an instant return to the top flight and cementing his legendary status with the Bianconeri faithful.

Perche Pogba?

Rigore

Esce Mandzukic entra Morata.

Atalanta in 10

Khedira non la controlla

Davvero quasi goal di Dybala.